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July 3, 2025
What started as a small way to share timely updates with our community has grown into a rich, ongoing conversation about how Kirkland works.
And we’ve officially hit 100 episodes of the This Week in Kirkland podcast!
Over the past two years, we’ve shared everything from major infrastructure updates to upcoming events, sustainability stories, city perks you maybe didn't know about, and thoughtful interviews with the people who help make our community thrive. We’ve covered street trees and storm drains, emergency preparedness and iceplex dreams, water-saving tips and ribbon cuttings, with laughs along the way.
We’re marking this milestone with a special episode looking back at our favorite moments and standout stories.
Whether you've been with us from the beginning or just discovered the podcast, thank you for listening, sharing, and staying connected to the City of Kirkland.
Check it out.
The Kirkland City Council met on July 1, 2025. Here’s a brief overview of some of the items from the meeting:
- Council was briefed on options for covering the Peter Kirk Pool.
- Council voted on options for two Transportation Benefit District projects - pedestrian improvements along 124th Avenue NE and crosswalk improvements in downtown.
- Council received an update to the Critical Areas Ordinance.
- The Mayor Proclaimed Disability Pride and Park & Recreation Month in Kirkland. To read more, visit the City’s website.
Prior to the above business agenda, the Council held a Study Session, where they discussed:
- Presentations on the responses to Houghton Village Request for Proposals.
- Kirkland Safety Action Plan and Speed Limit Setting Policy Update.
How to watch: Kirkland City Council meetings are streamed live and can be watched after the fact on the City of Kirkland Facebook page and the City YouTube channel, in addition to the livestream on the City website. Meetings are also televised on Comcast Cable Channel 21 and Ziply Cable Channel 31.
To watch the Council discussions on the specific agenda items outlined above, visit the City’s website. The full agenda packet with information on each item is located on the City’s website.
The next City Council meeting is on July 15, 2025.
Houghton Beach remains closed this week based on test results which continue to indicate elevated bacteria levels. The beach has been closed since Tuesday, June 24, 2025. The beach will remain closed for at least one additional week until testing results meet the reopening criteria.
Water quality staff from the King County Water and Land Resources Division tested the water recently and found that the levels of bacteria exceeded safe thresholds for bacteria based on the samples collected. King County crews will return to the beach next week to collect further samples.
For additional details, visit King County’s Lake Swimming Beach Data webpage.
Updates about Houghton Beach Park will be posted on the City webpage.
Why is The Swimming Area Closed? Swim Beaches throughout King County are tested weekly by the King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks. If beach water tests high for bacteria, the swimming area will be closed, and there will be no lifeguards on duty. For testing information or to see which beaches are open/closed please visit the King County Lake Swimming Beach Bacteria page: https://kingcounty.gov/swimbeach
Do you want to be notified of swim beach closures and reopening? Join the King County Lake Beach Alert mailing list.
The Fourth of July is a time to celebrate, but in Kirkland, unpermitted fireworks should not be part of the festivities. Fireworks, including sparklers and smoke bombs, have been illegal in Kirkland since 1999.
It’s against the law to light, sell, or even possess fireworks within city limits. Kirkland Police will have extra patrols on July 4th and may confiscate fireworks and issue citations to those in violation.
The use and sale of consumer fireworks is also prohibited in unincorporated King County as of 2022. Only permitted public displays are allowed.
For more information about fireworks in Kirkland, contact the Fire Marshal’s Office at 425-587-3650 or check out Kirkland’s Municipal Code on fireworks.
Looking for a festive and safe way to enjoy the holiday? Join us for Celebrate Kirkland, now in its 26th year.
The Celebrate Kirkland 4th of July Parade is almost here. Get ready for awesome marching bands, dancers, cool floats, and lots of community spirit!
Schedule of Events:
Parade day reminders: wear sunscreen, stay hydrated, and take a picture of your group/family in case you get separated and need descriptions of them!
Due to the 4th of July Parade, road closures will be in effect this Friday.
Please expect detours, traffic delays, and limited parking in the downtown area between 9:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
We encourage walking, biking, or carpooling if attending.
Thanks for your patience and support!
Have an opinion about how things are going in Kirkland? Ever wish you could provide formal recommendations to the City Council? Want to make an impact and serve your community? Then apply for a vacancy on the Planning Commission or Tourism Development Committee!
“We’re always interested in perspectives that reflect Kirkland’s ever-changing and diverse community,” said Councilmember John Tymczyszyn. “Serving on a board or commission is a meaningful way for people of all backgrounds to help shape the future of our city. Whether you're interested in how we grow and develop, or how we welcome and support visitors, there’s a place to get involved and make a difference.”
City advisory boards, commissions, and committees are responsible for formulating new ideas, gathering information, receiving public comments, analyzing complex issues, and making recommendations for specific projects and policies to the City Council. Most boards, commissions, and committees hold monthly evening meetings.
Members of most advisory boards, commissions, and committees are appointed by the City Council. City Council interviews for potential members are anticipated to be scheduled for late July or early August.
Vacancies are available on the following boards, commissions, and committees:
- Planning Commission
- Tourism Development Committee
Kirkland community members who meet eligibility requirements are invited to apply to the City Clerk by 4 p.m. on Monday, July 7, 2025, for the Tourism Development Committee vacancy and Friday, July 11, 2025 by 4 p.m. for the Planning Commission vacancy. Eligibility requirements differ for each board or commission. Visit the Current Recruitment Positions page or call the City Clerk’s Office at 425-587-3190 to learn more and apply.
The City of Kirkland’s recycling hotline is available to help improve waste management and promote sustainability in the community. This service provides residents with reliable information on recycling processes and helps clarify guidelines on what can be recycled.
The recycling hotline:
- Operates Monday through Friday with knowledgeable representatives available to assist. Residents can call and leave a message or email anytime.
- Residents can call for information on:
By providing this service Kirkland aims to increase recycling rates, reduce contamination, conserve resources, reduce pollution, and lower greenhouse gas emissions. Services like this are meant to encourage public awareness and participation for a more sustainable community.
Reach out to us with your recycling questions at 425-587-3812 or email recycle@kirklandwa.gov.
The City of Kirkland is a member of ARCH: A Regional Coalition for Housing, which brings together King County and 15 cities in East King County to support affordable housing. A key aspect of ARCH’s work is its Housing Trust Fund that pools resources from its members to collectively invest in affordable housing in our region.
This summer, ARCH announced that 14 partner cities in East King County have committed $3.5 million towards the 2025 ARCH Housing Trust Fund, demonstrating the strength of regional collaboration. Following ARCH’s Strategic Plan to Build More Affordable Housing Faster, the ARCH Executive Board adopted key priorities for the Trust Fund that include “Timely Delivery of Housing” and “Maximizing Unit Creation with ARCH Investment.”
Since its founding in 1993, ARCH members have invested over $120 million through the Housing Trust Fund, helping to create and preserve thousands of affordable homes across the region. The Trust Fund is focused on investing in housing that is affordable to people earning up to 50% of the area median income, and meeting a range of long-term goals including serving diverse populations, creating affordable housing across the region, and other objectives.
Kirkland is a valued member of ARCH and recognizes that the regional affordable housing shortage requires a collective response alongside other East King County cities.
Read more here: www.archhousing.org/news/arch-announces-a-total-of-36-million-in-affordable-housing-funding-for-east-king-county
Ryan is a true example of what it means to serve, belong, and thrive.
For nearly 20 years, Ryan has helped make Kirkland a great place to live. From his early days as a seasonal worker in the Parks & Community Services Department to his current role as Street and Grounds Manager in the Public Works Department, Ryan has been dedicated to service, community, and growth.
A former volunteer firefighter, Ryan has always found purpose in giving back. Today, he continues to make a difference ensuring Kirkland’s parks, streets, and public spaces are safe, welcoming, and well-maintained.
If you are looking to thrive in your career and serve your community like Ryan, learn more about our Public Works Department job openings by visiting our jobs page at www.kirklandwa.gov/jobs.
Route 930 now has more evening options between Kingsgate P&R and Redmond Town Center!
Route 930 now offers hourly service later into the day:
- Monday to Friday: 5 a.m. to 11 p.m.
- Saturday: 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
- Sunday/Holidays: 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Plus, if you're traveling along Willows Road, you can request an off-route ride to and from locations within the Route 930 DART (Dial-A-Ride Transit) service area.
More details and how to use DART, visit Route 930 schedule and info: https://kingcounty.gov/en/dept/metro/routes-and-service/schedules-and-maps/930.html#weekday
The next planned closure of I-405 for the NE 85th Street Interchange and In-line BRT Station project is Friday, July 11 at 11:55 p.m. to Monday, July 14 at 4:00 a.m. This is southbound closure of the highway from Northeast 124th Street to Northeast 70th Place.
NE 85th Street
Drivers should expect lane reductions on NE 85th Street from 6th Street to Kirkland Way/114th Avenue Northeast. Traffic control will reduce eastbound travel to one-lane from Peter Kirk Park. Westbound travel will be reduced to one-lane to Sixth Street. Kirkland’s contractor will begin building the shared-use pathway on the south side of NE 85th Street on July 7. Visit https://www.kirklandwa.gov/Government/Departments/Public-Works-Department/Construction-Projects/NE-85th-Street-Shared-Use-Pathway for project updates on Thursdays.
On the east side of I-405 to 124th Avenue Northeast, traffic will be impacted as early as Monday, July 7 overnight as Kirkland’s contractor builds an eastbound third-lane between 120th Avenue Northeast and 122nd Avenue Northeast. Day work is also anticipated in late July. Visit https://www.kirklandwa.gov/Government/Departments/Public-Works-Department/Construction-Projects/NE-85th-Street-Eastbound-3rd-Lane for project updates on Thursdays.
Juanita Drive
Drivers will encounter one lane traffic on Northeast Juanita Drive near 86th Avenue Northeast the week of July 7 as the contractor paves this segment of Juanita Drive. Flaggers will alternate traffic between 9am and 3pm. Drivers should expect delays during this time. Kirkland contractor is updating the storm water system at this location. Visit https://www.kirklandwa.gov/Government/Departments/Public-Works-Department/Construction-Projects/NE-Juanita-Dr-and-86th-Ave-NE-Storm-Improvements-Project for more information.
Slater Avenue Northeast/132nd Avenue Northeast at Cross Kirkland Corridor
Drivers will encounter traffic control and heavy equipment as this project creates a signalized crossing from the end of the Cross Kirkland Corridor trail to King County’s Eastrail. The CKC Trail is expected to open at 128th Place Northeast on July 3. Visit https://www.kirklandwa.gov/Government/Departments/Public-Works-Department/Construction-Projects/CKC-to-Eastrail-Crossing-at-Slater-Ave-NE-132nd-Ave-NE for project updates on Thursdays.
98th Avenue Northeast
Drivers will encounter traffic control for installation of a Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon (RRFB) at Market Street’s intersection with 19th Avenue/19th Avenue West. Work will occur from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. to avoid most commuter traffic. This project is funded by the Transportation Benefit District.
124th Avenue Northeast
Work continues on 124th Avenue Northeast, between Northeast 116th Street and Northeast 124th Street. Drivers exiting businesses will encounter “Right Turn Only” access to 124th Avenue Northeast. Bicyclists will merge with traffic. Final paving is expected in late July. Visit www.kirklandwa.gov/124thavenue for project updates on Thursdays.
100th Avenue Northeast
OMA Construction may briefly alternating traffic at various locations or if necessary, briefly stop traffic between Northeast 137th and 145th streets. The legal speed limit through the construction zone is 25 miles per hour. Visit www.kirklandwa.gov/100thavedesign for project updates on Thursdays.
Goat Hill
Drivers should expect short waits and lane restrictions on Northeast 116th Place. Construction resumed on June 9 and is expected to be complete by fall. Visit https://www.kirklandwa.gov/goathill for project updates on Thursdays.
Everest Park Ribbon Cutting
Date: Thursday, July 10
Time: 1 p.m.
Location: Everest Park Playground – 500 8th Street South, Kirkland 98033
Play is Back at Everest Park
After months of planning and construction, the Everest Park Playground is ready for fun! Help us celebrate its reopening at a special ribbon cutting on Thursday, July 10 at 1 p.m. Come see the new features and help us kick off a summer of play for Parks and Recreation Month.
For questions, please call 425-587-3300
Link for more info: https://www.kirklandwa.gov/Whats-Happening/Community-Events/Parks-and-Community-Services/Everest-Park-Playground-Celebration
Co-Working and Business Advising Day
Date: July 10 (and second Wednesdays of the month)
Time: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Location: City Hall, 123 5th Ave
Calling all founders, small business owners, and startup dreamers! Join us at Kirkland City Hall for a free day of coworking and connection, hosted by the City of Kirkland and Startup425.
Drop in anytime to get work done, meet fellow entrepreneurs, and take advantage of one-on-one business advising offering insights to help your business grow.
More info on the event page.
Sprinkler Park Thursdays
Date: Thursdays, July 10 to August 7
Time: 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Join us this summer at Peter Kirk Park's Lee Johnson Field for our annual Sprinkler Park Thursdays. We offer a variety of sprinklers, suitable for all ages, set up for everyone to enjoy! This program is free.
All children ages 10 and under must be supervised by an adult.
Temperatures must be above 70 degrees for Sprinkler Parks to be open. The Parks and Community Services Facebook page will be updated in the event that Sprinkler Park is cancelled for the day.
More info on the event page.
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What does the Kirkland Tourism Development Committee do? Watch our video to find out about past and future exciting projects.